Happy 'Swanky' New Year

Happy 2009!!!

We're very happy to start the new year with a some fun changes at swankypet.net that we're sure everyone will love. 

First of all, a product upgrade to announce: due to popular request, our chic and stylish leads will now come standard with an additional D-ring sewn below the hand loop to enable clipping keys, clean-up bags or any other gear you normally carry while walking your dog to keep your hands free. Our test market folks loved it and we think you will, too! 

Secondly, we'd like to announce a contest starting with the new year. We love receiving photos of your adorable pets , so every customer who emails us a photo of their pet in their new 'Swanky' gear will be entered in a monthly drawing for a free collar of their choice. So, check back often to view the very stylish pets!

Happy New Year!!

Subaru’s Revving Up to Help Homeless Pets for the Holidays

Get your motors running, animal lovers! This holiday season, Subaru is giving back with the Subaru Share the Love Event. That means you could be helping homeless pets while driving a brand new set of wheels. For every vehicle sold or leased between November 24 and January 2, Subaru will donate $250 to the owner's charity of choice --- one of which is the ASPCA. 

Since there is no limit to the amount that Subaru is willing to donate, car buyers can help the ASPCA receive upwards of a million dollars (or more) in donations to help in our efforts to fight animal cruelty. The more vehicles that are sold, and the more people who choose the ASPCA, the higher the donation amount. 

Frosty the Snowman

 Frosty the Snowman is one of our new Christmas prints this year. It's a great addition to our Seasonal Collection - with a blue background and tiny snow flakes it features the cutest snowman ever made! Your pets will turn heads everywhere you go when they are wearing this stylish holiday print. 

Make Mine a Muttgarita!

What's on every doggies Christmas list this year? The newest, swankiest, squeaky toy - the Muttgarita! This adorable plush toy measures 9" tall by approximately 4" wide and is the perfect representation of the refreshing margarita we enjoy - complete with a lime garnish! Visit our Swanky Toys Collection and treat your pup for the holidays. 

Deck the Halls

A great way to get your pets ready for the holiday season is to treat them to some new 'Swanky'wear! Currently available in our Seasonal Collection, is Deck the Halls. This print will put your pet and the whole family in the Christmas spirit. It features a festive green background with a variety of Christmas tree ornaments.

As with all of our items, Deck the Halls is made from high-quality fabric, 4-layers thick and reinforced with nylon webbing for strength and durability. This is no ordinary collar - only top-quality hardware is used: cast metal D-rings, metal hardware and zinc diecast metal buckles. If you prefer a lighter-weight product for your pet, we are happy to customize it for you by using lighter plastic hardware.

Yappy Hour, Anyone?

Here in Phoenix, it's still in the mid-80's - nice and warm. So when happy (or yappy) hour rolls around, you'll find a lot of folks enjoying a refreshing Corona with lime. Well, now your furry friend can join you --- new in our Swanky Toys collection is a 'Grrrona'! This cute, plush squeaky toy comes in two sizes so all doggies can join in the fun. The Regular size measures 10" tall and the Small size is 7" tall. Your pup will spend countless hours enjoying their new Grrrona! 

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

There are a mere 32 shopping days until Christmas, but here we are all ready to 'deck' out your pet for the holidays. Now available in the Seasonal Collection are nine festive prints to help your pet get in step for the Christmas season. 

Featured here, is All I Want for Christmas - which is on every doggie's list! Adorable little dog bones are gift wrapped against a burgundy background. What more could your doggie ask for? If they've been good all year, that is.....

Celebrate Fall with your Pet

In celebration of the Fall season, we're offering these fun prints to usher in the season. Perfect for the entire fall season and for that special Thanksgiving celebration!

Autumn Hues is a beautiful combination featuring the rich colors of Autumn leaves: rust, burgundy, pumpkin and nutmeg brown. 

Cascading Leaves features a black background with wonderful variety of fall leaves featured, with shades of light brown, green and gold. 

Fall Leaves is a lighter print - perfect for pets with darker coats. On a cream colored background, beautiful oak leaves are featured with a variety of fall colors. 

These lovely prints are available for all items: collars, harnesses & leads in all sizes: Teacup, X-small, Small, Medium and Large. As always, we are happy to customize the size of an item for your pet.

Join the Walk to Save Animals Nov 15 in Phoenix

For those of you in the Phoenix area, here is an opportunity to join the annual Walk to Save Animals, which raises funds to help rescue abandoned and homeless pets from being killed. 

The Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL/SPCA) will hold its annual fundraising event:

Saturday, Nov 15th  10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: Tempe Beach Park at Tempe Town Lake

80 W Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

Suggested Minimum Donation: $25.00

To register or for more information, go to: www.aawl.org or call 480-423-1511

As the state's largest and oldest no-kill shelter, AAWL/SPCA uses funds raised for the event to provide temporary homes for about 2,000 dogs and cats each year - many of them rescued shortly before they are scheduled for euthanasia. 

But the organization is by no means a typical shelter. The staff includes a full-time veterinarian and an animal behaviorist; rescued animals receive health and behavioral evaluations and treatment when needed, sometimes benefiting from extraordinary medical care. While at the shelter, dogs get walked and bathed by volunteers, socialize with other dogs in large play yards and even receive some obedience training. Adult cats can lounge free in their own area with classical music playing in the background. Dogs and cats also may spend in foster homes. 

The shelter carefully matches dogs and cats for adoption with their new owners, to help make sure the match is successful and the animals have "forever homes."

This year's event is going to be even bigger and better than in previous years, with activities that include:

• PetZone Booths, games, prizes, dogs for adoption, critter corral and more!
• Activity Zone Face painting, stuff-a-toy center and games for all ages
• FunZone Meet AZ Diamondback's Baxter the Bobcat, pet photos with Santa, animal demonstrations, doggie dating game and pet contests.
• FoodZone Favorite snacks, drinks, ice cream and more

The event also will feature an "alumni parade" with dogs that have been adopted from AAWL/SPCA and their owners.

Taking a Short Break

We will be away from our offices beginning Sun Sep 21 through Fri Sep 26th. We will answer all emails and begin processing orders received during this time upon our return on Sat Sep 27th. 

Thank you. 

Say Thanks to Your Best Friend

Did you know that just being in your pup's presence makes you healthier? Here's what the latest research suggests:

Petting your pup boosts production of pleasure hormones in the brain, helping to keep your stress and blood pressure at healthy levels. 

Canine company aids the recovery of heart attack patients and has a calming effect on people with Alzheimer's.

Regular walks with your dog lift your mood and improve your fitness.

Kids who grow up with dogs seem to have stronger immune systems and may be less likely to develop asthma, eczema, and pet allergies later in life.

Rover, call me an ambulance - Ariz. dog calls 911

"Man's best friend" may not cut it for a Scottsdale dog named Buddy - a trained German shepherd who saved his owner's life by dialing 911 when he began having a seizure, police said Sunday.

On the recorded 911 call placed Wednesday, Buddy is heard whimpering and barking after the confused dispatcher answers the phone and repeatedly asks if the caller needs help.

"Hello, this is 911. Hello ... Can you hear me? Is there somebody there you can give the phone to," says the dispatcher, Chris Trott.

Buddy barks loudly when police arrive about three minutes after the call is placed.

An officer asks Buddy's owner, Joe Stalnaker, if he's OK. Stalnaker coughs, and the call ends.

Scottsdale police Sgt. Mark Clark said Stalnaker spent two days in the hospital following the seizure and has recovered.

"It's pretty incredible," Clark said. "Even the veteran dispatchers - they haven't heard of anything like this."

Clark said police are dispatched whenever 911 is called and that Stalnaker's address was flagged in Scottsdale's system with the fact that an assistance dog dials 911 when the owner cannot.

He said Buddy made two other 911 calls when Stalnaker was having seizures, the first last August.

"Buddy is his friend, his lifesaver," Clark said.

He said Stalnaker's seizures were the result of a head injury he suffered about 10 years ago during a training exercise in the U.S. military.

Stalnaker told 3TV that it was the third or fourth time that Buddy had made a 911 call.

"Buddy, he basically gives me my independence," Stalnaker said during the KTVK interview. "He's my world. He's my best friend, no question. He's always there, and I just hope I can be as good to him as he's been to me."

Clark said Stalnaker adopted Buddy when he was 8 weeks old and trained him to get the phone if he began to have seizure symptoms.

Buddy, now 18 months old, is trained to press a programmed button until a 911 operator is on the line, Clark said.

He said Stalnaker got Buddy through Michigan-based Paws with a Cause, which trains assistance dogs nationwide for people with disabilities.

Pumpkin Head Halloween Print

Halloween is getting closer by the day and your furry little Pumpkin Head wants to be included in all of the fun. One fabulous way to include him or her, is this spooky but fun Halloween print we call Pumpkin Head. Against a black background, silly Jack-o-lanterns, little candy corns and purple stars really "pop".

Spooky Skeletons from the Closet

This fun and funky print is part of our Halloween Collection, recently added to the Seasonal Collection page. We call it Skeletons from the Closet, both to celebrate the Halloween season and for any Grateful Dead fans that may be looking for a fun way to outfit their pet now and year-round.

Featuring a solid purple background, little white skeletons dance around! This print is a light-hearted way to "Treat" your pet, so they can to go Trick-or-Treating with you and the kids!

Trick or Treat

Our Halloween prints are now available for order. Outfit your furry little goblin with some new 'swankywear' for Halloween. The print featured is Candy Corn - a cotton/poly blend fabric with little candy corns that really stand out against the black background.

All of our items are constructed with four layers of fabric and lined inside with a lightweight nylon webbing for structure and durability. The hardware is top quality contoured zinc die cast side-release buckles, heavy-duty nickel adjustment slides, cast D-rings and swivel snap hooks.

If you'd prefer a lighter-weight item for your pet, I'll be happy to substitute excellent quality acetal hardware instead. Don't worry if your pet has a nylon allergy - I'll be happy to construct your items with heavy-duty inferfacing instead of nylon webbing.

Preparing for a Labor Day Weekend Trip

Are you heading out for the holiday weekend? Taking your furry friends? Leaving them home with a neighbor or professional petsitter?

A bit of preparation will make the weekend safe and fun for all.

Make sure you pack your pet's medications, usual food, a familiar blanket/towel, and toys. It's a good idea to take along a picture of your pet just in case he/she gets lost. How about one of those do-it-yourself machine engraved tags with your cellphone number to attach to the pet's collar?

If you leave your dog at home, be sure to give the temporary caregiver as much information as possible. What time do you usually feed your pet? Do you pick up leftover food or leave it down for snacking? Treats or no treats? Is there a special routine at bed time? Is it normal for your pet to not eat when you're gone? Is your pet spooked by storms? Does your pet have a favorite hiding place?

Contact your vet/emergency animal center to see if they require you to sign some form of authorization to treat your pet while you're out of town.

California Bans Driving with Dogs on Laps

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - First they came for your cell phone. Now, the dog.

The California state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would make it illegal for drivers to keep pets on their laps.

Visalia, Calif., Assembly Member Bill Maze has taken plenty of grief from his fellow Republicans for pushing the bill, including conservative radio star Rush Limbaugh. But Maze did not back off, calling it a safety issue. "If you have an animal that gets in your face or gets tangled up in your steering wheel while you're driving, you can't properly control (the car)," he told the Sacramento Bee earlier this year.

AB 2233 passed the Senate on a 21-17 vote, with only one Republican vote, Sen. Tom Harmon, R-Huntington Beach. The Assembly has already passed the bill but must agree to minor changes before the legislation heads to Gov. Schwarzenegger's desk. The governor has not taken a position.

The bill is the latest attempt by lawmakers to eliminate driving distractions. Legislation that took effect this summer bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

Maze's bill would start July 1 and prohibit drivers from "holding a live animal in his or her arm or arms, or upon his or her lap." Fines would start at $35. Animals are the ninth-ranked cause of driver distraction, according to the bill's analysis.

Ready for Happy Hour?

It's been a long week for you and probably your furry best friend. So, why not take them along when you go to your next happy hour and you can both indulge in a little social and relaxation time. 

More and more cafes, wine bars and dog bakeries are hosting dog-friendly happy hours so you can treat your best friend and spend time with them while you have a cocktail. 

Here are some fun venues in the Phoenix area. Google "yappy hours" to locate them in your area. 

Three Dog Bakery's Yappy Hour: 

Located in the Biltmore Fashion Park, Yappy Hour is held each Thursday from 6-8pm and features yummy treats from their bakery. They have a lovely outdoor area good for mingling and allowing dogs to play on the grass. On occasion, customers are treated to wine, cheese and crackers so you can relax and unwind with your dog. 2142 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix 602-522-2333

Posh Puppy Party 

15060 N Northsight Drive, Scottsdale 480-991-9827 

Held once the temperatures have cooled off a little, this barkery features a variety of baked treats for your dog and also holds pet adoptions. They also offer Posh Puppy Day Camp. 

Duck and Decanter's Lappy Hour

1651 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix 602-274-5429

Held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, you are welcome to bring along your dog for some yummy treats from 5-7 pm. Also available are dog and cat adoption and the opportunity to sign up to become pet foster parents. Enjoy a glass of wine and relax with your dog. 

Classy Jazzy in Old Town Scottsdale hosts Dog's Night Out

7111 E Fifth Ave, Scottsdale 480-970-1894

Come and enjoy pizza, wine and live music each Thursday from 7-9pm. Your pup will be able to enjoy some treats while you are listening to music. A weekly raffle is held to benefit Sun Valley Animal Shelter. 

Create a Shampoo for your Dog

If you've ever wanted to create a shampoo especially for your dog, try this recipe and tailor it using essential oils.

1 part mild dish soap

1 part apple cider vinegar

3/4 part water

1/4 part glycerin

Add a drop or two of essential oil. Mix it well and store in a capped bottle.

Revitalizing: lemon, rosemary, grapefruit, orange, peppermint

For Anexiety: lavendar, bergamot, rose

Relaxing: chamomile, jasmine, patchouli, ylang ylang

Favored by Men: allspice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, orange

For eczemas or itching: tea tree

Fleas: citronella, eucalyptus, cedarwood

Swanky Pet: Indi

Meet Indi –

This adorable little pup is named Indi and lives in Torquay, Victoria-Austrailia. Where, she apparently gets to strut her stuff on this picturesque beach! According to Indi’s mom, Rebecca: ‘We are very happy with her collar and it is withstanding the weather elements especially of sea water so thank-you’.

In this photo, Indi is modeling her new Swanky Plaid collar, which looks fantastic on her lovely brown coat. Thank you, Rebecca and Indi! We hope you continue to enjoy all of your new ‘swanky’ fashions!

Wine and Dogs

I’m getting ready to embark on a ‘Girls Trip’ with my two best friends to Napa Valley for a few days of catching up, celebrating friendship and of course, wine tasting!! Since I’ll be away from SwankyPet.net from Aug 1-4th (I’ll respond to all emails upon my return and orders placed during this time will be processed beginning on Aug 5th), I thought I’d share some interesting ways Dogs and Wine have become intertwined – enjoy!

Dog Lovers Wine Club
The Humane Society of the United States’ Wine Club, Pets for Life: A Dog’s Life Collection is a partnership with Carivintas Winery and features unique artwork on each bottle’s label, featuring a different dog each month with a special seasonal trait.

Wine Dogs USA:
Winemakers love dogs. Wherever wine is made, you’re likely to find a good dog sleeping in the tasting room or wandering the vineyard. The USA Edition of Wine Dogs features over 300 wineries across the United States and over 450 stunning photos of their loyal hounds. Along the way, the mutts and purebreds are interspersed with short essays by Robert Parker Jr, Dan Berger, Bruce Cass, Ralph Steadman, Cole Danehower, ML Hilton, Harvey Posert, Adam Lechmere, Darryl Roberts, Jack Burton, Joshua Greene, Sally Ashton, Zar Brooks and Craig McGill.

Find out which dog ate a couch, who chewed Bill Clinton’s leg and discover the identity of the dog who stole Robert Mondavi’s heart.

Wine Dogs USA Edition is a photographic journal of stunning pictures and great stories – created all for the love of dogs and wine.

Bark Vineyard’s wine for dogs:

This ‘wine’ for dogs, is actually a gourmet sauce that is poured over your dog’s food. There are four varietals to choose from, giving pet parents the opportunity to pair their own wines with a tasty treat for their dogs: Sauvignon Bark, Meowlot, Barkundy and Pinot Leasheo. The tasty sauces are blends of either chicken or beef stock, spices and vegetables.

White Rocket Wine – Dog House line: Featuring California grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel and Chardonnay supports Guide Dogs for the Blind by donating fifty-cents of each bottle purchased to their life changing programs. Not only do you get to enjoy your wine but you can improve the quality of life for many blind and visually impaired individuals across the country. Guide Dogs for the Blind is a charitable organization that does not benefit from any government funding and therefore relies on donations to provide free guide dogs and training to those in need. Since Dog House Wines pledged their support for the non-profit, over $214,000 have been donated to its cause. Not only are Dog House Wines champions in terms of philanthropic giving but the wines have also earned over sixty individual awards making this brand a worthy selection for anyone... plus, who could resist that adorable dog on the label!

Pet Style Trend: Preppy Prints for Pets

As the dog days of summer come to a close, it's time for preppy pups to deck out in the hottest fashions for fall.

According to the industry's top designers for pet accessories, this fall's hottest looks will beckon back to rich hues and traditional back-to-school patterns, especially plaids. Browns of every shade will be this season's neutral tone, as in many falls past according to the owner and designer for Wool and Kashmir in San Francisco, CA: 'jewel-and earth-inspired tones will dominate this season's color palette'. "It's getting back to nature," she says. "All the colors you're going to see are going to be softer and muted. You'll have some bright ones to spark up things, but they're not going to be the really bright, bold primary type colors.

Sweater Styles for Fall

"Last fall, sweaters were very bold and bright and angular," she says. "This fall, it's softer and more organic. Designers are still color blocking, but it's on a softer tone. It's more muted, and instead of stripes, you'll see zigzags in softer colors, so it gives more of a wavy feel.

Cozy Up with Comfy, and Practical, Designs

Fabrics for this season's back-to-school pet accessories focus on comfort and style. Pet parents can look for styles in classic patterns and fabrics, such as corduroy, fleece, velvet and anything that keep our canine classmates cozy. "We make sure that all our fabrics are soft and comfortable, just like we would want for ourselves." says the owner of Pet Rageous Designs in Burlington, MA.

Stylish Preppy Print Pet Collars

At SwankyPet.net, we have focused on building a Preppy Collection that offers pet parents an excellent variety of prints to choose from. Our collection features houndstooth, paisley, tartan and pinstripe prints, with plaids in several color palettes. A traditional, tan Burberry-plaid is available, along with muted greens, rich browns and even a feminine pink plaid. Pictured here is Swanky Plaid and you can access this link to view our complete

Preppy Collection.

Swanky Pet: Auggie

Meet Auggie - a yellow lab who is absolutely dashing in his new Chocolate Stripes collar. Auggie's mom, Kyndele says they just moved to South Carolina where this handsome fellow loves to swim in their pool. Kyndele also tells me Auggie Doggie has a heart of gold, which you can tell just by looking at him!

SwankyPet.net on Pet People Place's Top Sites

Check us out at the link above and help swankypet.net become one of the top-rated pet sites! 

Dog News: Arizona Humane Society's 2008 Telethon

For those of you living in Arizona, please make plans to watch the 2008 Pet Telethon on Saturday, August 2nd from noon until 6:30pm (pacific) televised on ABC Channel 15.

This is the Valley's only pet telethon to help tens of thousands of animals at the Arizona Humane Society. This year, AZHS hopes to raise more than $500,000 to care for the estimated 50,000 unwanted, sick, injured, lost and abused animals that they take in and care for this year alone.

Viewers will be asked to pledge support to the nonprofit AHS. Donations can also be made online at www.azhumane.org. As in previous years, Scottsdale-based GoDaddy.com will match online donations up to $50,000.

As always, dozens of adorable dogs and puppies, cats and kittens and little critters will be featured during the live broadcast. These pets will then be available for adoption Sunday, August 3 at the Arizona Humane Society's Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion, 1521 West Dobbins Road in Phoenix. Also, they will share important pet tips and information about the many programs and services offered on behalf of the animals in the community. If you donate $100 or more to the Pet Telethon before August 1, you will be thanked by name on air during the telethon broadcast.

Just call (602) 997-7856 ext. 1037 or visit www.azhumane.org.

Pet Style Trend: Patriotic Pets

The Summer season and 2008 being an Election Year, has ushered in a style trend for pets - - - politics and patriotic designs.

Stylish pet owners are looking for items to help them and their pets express both their political preferences and their patriotic spirit. Instead of showing support with a bumper sticker or a yard sign, pet owners are opting to let their pets speak for them with items that make statements about their political preference.

Several red, white and blue prints allow your pet to keep in step with this latest trend. Pictured here is Glory Days – a crisp flag print. For more patriotic prints available, visit our Patriotic Collection: http://www.swankypet.net/collections/collections_Patriotic/Patriotic.php

Rescued Animals Become Mascots for Houston Groups

Here are some touching stories of rescued animals who have become mascots for the groups that rescued them, spreading messages of better treatment of animals.

BurnieHouston Humane Society
In 1996, two teens tied Burnie to a tree, doused her with gasoline and set her on fire. A police officer caught them in the act and took Burnie to HHS.

Throughout her treatments for third-degree burns and rehabilitation, Burnie remained loving to everyone. She now visits schools, appears at special events, promotes Animals' Kingdom merchandise and writes her own column in the HHS Companion newsletter.


FlashHouston Humane Society
Flash was discovered in a field near the HHS administrative building. He had likely been dumped on the doorstep during the night and dragged himself into the field out of fear.

The Chihuahua had no use of his hind legs because of an old injury. There was concern about how the 3-year-old would adjust to the wheelchair made for him. However, the instant he was belted in, he took off in a flash.

DixieCitizens for Animal Protection
The Chihuahua was 4 months old when she was abandoned at the CAP shelter along with her brother.
Dixie's brother was adopted immediately. A veterinarian technician, worried that Dixie might be getting sick, asked a reluctant Trisha Royal, CAP's community outreach director, if she would foster her.

A match was made. Royal found Dixie loved children and was a hit at CAP events.
Eight-year-old Dixie holds the title of ambassador of humane education, and her portrait is displayed on one of the CAP vehicles.


SteelyHouston SPCA
The Houston SPCA does not have an official mascot, but there are beloved office cats.
The oldest is Steely, a one-eyed diabetic cat, who was rescued in 1993 during San Jacinto River flooding. A staff member doing boat rescues plucked him from a piece of plywood floating down the river.
Steely has the administrative offices to himself. The other cats, shy Guinness, Jasper, three-legged Zoe and one-eyed Pretty Baby, live in the annex offices.


TwoferAnimals Always Believe in You
Kay Pass, founder of AABY, calls Twofer a cat-terrier. The dog lived with a group of feral cats at Kingwood College before being rescued. While living with the cats, Twofer picked up some feline habits such as washing his face with his paws.

Pass and her husband found the dog at Twyla's Friends rescue and adoption group. They were looking for a second pet to join their family, which included their Doberman, Posha, who was lonely after the death of another household pup.
When the little dog got Posha's approval, he was called Twofer because he was two dogs in one: a playmate for Posha and a companion for the humans.
Twofer, estimated to be 14 years old, serves as one of AABY's ambassadogs.


ZoeAABY
When Karen K. Boughton decided to get a playmate for Roxie, a King Charles cavalier, she heard about a cavalier puppy farm about two hours from Kingwood.
Boughton saw Lady Amanda, who had just weaned a litter of pups and was no longer considered useful at the puppy farm.

The thin dog had lumps of fur and bald spots because she had been shaved to make cleanup easier. What should have been long silky ears were cut short at the base. Her vocal cords had been cut to muffle her bark, and her breath was horrendous.
The breeders wanted $500 for the lonely pup, which Boughton paid to give 5-year-old Lady Amanda a loving home and new name: Zoe.
This year Zoe and her playmate, Roxie, are covergirls for AABY's Super Star Pets of Kingwood calendar.


MonsterHeart of Gold Reptile Rescue
Monster arrived at Heart of Gold Reptile Rescue about 12 years ago after he bit his owner in the forearm and left a wound that required 60 stitches.

Gina Disteldorf got a call from a vet saying that if she did not take Monster, the iguana was going to be put down. It took about two months for Disteldorf to calm the attacking Monster.
Monster was used in education talks, but he has been retired. He's 19 1/2 years old; the iguana life span is 15-20 years.
He still eats and gets around, but he is definitely getting senile, according to Disteldorf.


AthenaFriends for Life
After living with the same family for 12 years, Athena was taken to the shelter because the family's toddlers were kicking and hitting her. Athena had stopped eating, and she had an eye infection. Other shelters wouldn't take her because she was too old to be adoptable.

After the infected eye was removed, Athena began to trust the staff.
Athena was adopted by an attentive artist, but Athena didn't appreciate sharing space with catty siblings. One of the artist's kittyless friends took Athena to live a quiet life nearby.

Create a Website for Your Dog

I recently read an article about creating a website for your dog by Dave Alexander. I know a lot of us have created one, just to show off their general cuteness, but this website has a specific purpose. I thought this was a great idea, particularly because Dave's Great Dane Dixie, is deaf.

Dave created a website in case Dixie ever becomes lost to instruct whoever might find her about her condition and special needs. The site contains photos of Dixie along with instructions and, of course, Dave's contact information.

Creating a website like this is a great idea for dogs with any kind of special needs, such as medication, health conditions, allergies or behavioral issues. If you create a site for your dog, add the website address to your dog's tags or inside their collar.

Check out Dixie's Website:
http://www.bigdixiedog.com

Stay Cool this Weekend!

We live in Phoenix and this weekend it's going to be between 110 and 112 degrees! I'm going to make my three dogs a treat to help them cool off and thought I'd share the recipe with you.

Since dairy products aren't good for your dog, this dog-friendly 'ice cream' is non-dairy and all natural. It's made with yogurt, which contains less lactace than milk and contains the active cultures that are beneficial for your dog's digestive system.

32 oz plain or vanilla yogurt

1 banana

2 Tbs peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

2 Tbs honey

Blend all ingredients smooth and pour into small containers, approximately 3 oz. Be careful of freezing into ice cube trays...some dogs eat it too quickly and can choke.

This recipe can also be made with meat-flavored baby food instead of peanut butter.

If you want to mix it up, some fun variations of this recipe are:

Cookies and Cream - substitute crushed carob dog sandwich cookies for the peanut butter and banana

Carob Chip - add some dog-friendly carob chips into the ice cream mixture

Minty Fresh Breath - add mint flavoring and some chopped mint & parsley in place of the peanut butter and banana

swankypet.net Video

A short video of some of the cutest pets showing off their swankypet fashions!

If you like the video, rate it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45jXNqNtvcQ

Dog Fighting How-To on amazon.com?

I recently learned that Amazon.com sells books on dogfighting. One title in particular is getting a lot of attention: The Dog Pit—Or, How To Select, Breed, Train And Manage Fighting Dogs, With Points As To Their Care In Health And Disease.

This surprised me as a regular reader of Bark Magazine, I recently read an article on Amazon and their 'dog friendly' workplace policies. There has been much online discussion and debate regarding their choice to sell these types of books (there are also similar titles on cock fighting). One group, People against Cruelty to Animals has started a petition to submit to Amazon to describe their position. Below is a link to the petition for anyone who is interested in signing.

Tell Amazon to Stop Selling Dog Fighting Material

Special Needs Dobermans

A wonderful customer, Irene, told me about a great organization called Special Needs Dobermans, which offers help to senior dobermans or dobermans with special needs. Irene purchased several collars and donated them to SND's online auctions on eBay, which is one of the way the group raises funds. SND also has an online store which offers several items with the SND logos.

Based in Aztec, New Mexico, SND reports they were able to assist 109 Dobermans by disbursing over $80,000 last year alone to assist with veterinary bills. The funding they were able to offer in 2007, brings the total number of Dobermans helped to 464 (and counting).

If you are interested in learning more about Special Needs Dobermans, visit their website at http://www.doberman911.org/ to find how you can help them, donate or bid in their online auctions.

It's Been a Long Time!

The last few months have been really busy for us over here at swankypet.net! Unfortunately, this has meant that I haven't been able to update the swankypet.net blog in quite some time (I've been too busy sewing!).

The good news is that my web designer recently added some new blogging software to the website that will make it much easier for me to keep this section current. So check back here often, or subscribe to our RSS Feed to keep up on all the latest swankypet.net news!

In the meantime, here's a picture of Paris, my web designer's Really Cute Dog!